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HER2 Gene Amplification and Chromosome 17 Copy Number Do Not Predict Survival of Patients with Resected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

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Abstract

HER2 gene amplification is an established predictive and prognostic marker in breast cancer. Since there are conflicting reports as to the significance of HER2 gene amplification in pancreatic cancer, we undertook this study. We studied HER2 gene amplification, HER2 copy numbers, and chromosome 17 copy numbers using fluorescence in situ hybridization in 63 cases of resected pancreatic cancer. Sixteen tumors (25%) had HER2 gene amplification, 7 (11%) had increased HER2 copy numbers, and 11 (17%) had increased chromosome 17 copy numbers. No statistical significance was found between the genetic parameters and tumor characteristics, stage, or survival. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest case series reporting HER2 gene amplification status and its association with tumor characteristics and survival in pancreatic cancer in the literature. Although a significant percentage (25%) of pancreatic cancers demonstrate amplification of the HER2 gene, we find no association of HER2 gene amplification or chromosome 17 hyperploidy with poorer survival.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Allegheny Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Saima Sharif

  2. The National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Saima Sharif

  3. The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA

    Ramesh K. Ramanathan

  4. Biostatistics Department, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Douglas Potter

  5. Biostatistics Facility, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Douglas Potter

  6. Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, A610, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-2546, USA

    Kathleen Cieply & Alyssa M. Krasinskas

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  1. Saima Sharif
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Correspondence to Alyssa M. Krasinskas.

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Sharif, S., Ramanathan, R.K., Potter, D. et al. HER2 Gene Amplification and Chromosome 17 Copy Number Do Not Predict Survival of Patients with Resected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Dig Dis Sci 53, 3026–3032 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-008-0267-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-008-0267-1

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